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Trainees scoop prizes for reporting skills

Two trainee journalists have been honoured for their reporting skills while studying at De Montfort University in Leicester.

Scott McPherson won the Leicester Mercury District Reporter of the Year award, while Oliver Wright won the Johnston Press “one to watch” award.

Both completed a postgraduate course in journalism at De Montfort University earlier this year.

Students had to cover a patch of Leicester in Clarendon Park, Highfields or Braunstone.

Scott, (21), now works for the Wiltshire Gazette and Herald.

He won his award for his ability to dig out stories and write with flair.

He said: “The group were all extremely talented and to be judged the best district reporter is a real honour.”

Oliver, (26), has joined the Leicester Mercury.

The awards were presented at a ceremony at the university by Gary Mitchell, who completed the course two years ago and is now a senior Mercury reporter.